An Overview of Nelson Mandela’s Life
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist. He served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling racism and fostering racial reconciliation. He served as the president of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997. Nelson Mandela served 27 years in prison, split between Robben Island, Pollsmoor Prison, and Victor Verster Prison. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1962, and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiring to overthrow the state. But, President F. W. de Klerk released him in 1990. Together, Mandela and de Klerk created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He declined a second term and was succeeded by his deputy, Thabo Mbeki.
Achievements
- Nobel Peace Prize
- Nelson Mandela Foundation
- End of apartheid
- South African President
- Studied Law-University of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand
- Received more than 250 honors; the list goes on and on.
Death
In February 2011, Nelson Mandela was briefly hospitalised with a respiratory infection. Over the next few years he was re-admitted multiple times for the same thing, but worsening. On December 5, 2013, died at the age of 95. He died at his home in Houghton, surrounded by his family.
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